AN: Thank you for all of your comments! I know I was super disappointed with my last chapter as were most of you and I apologize. I shouldn't have given you material I wasn't happy with. It's not fair to any of you. So, I wrote something a little longer. I hope you enjoy it! You guys are so encouraging and I really needed it. It really makes my day. Work has been so stressful and to see all of you guys being so supportive is so helpful and keeps me at writing.

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Chapter rated M for language.

Chapter 14

Miroku frowned as he scanned through the documents Sesshoumaru's contact had put together. It had been late into the evening last night when the Ancient had sent him a brief text commanding he be present and waiting in his office before Sesshoumary even arrived. Assuming it was work related, he had dawned his vestments and quickly rushed through Kagome's lesson in order to make it on time. He still felt a little bad about that. Kagome was an excellent student and he didn't like shorting her when it came to lectures. Especially when it came to discussing magic. She seemed to have a knack for it and she learned quickly. In short, she was nothing but raw abundant talent.

Now, he understood.

"Are you certain? This information is accurate?" Miroku asked, his dark eyes glancing up at the Ancient who sat before him. It wasn't that he didn't trust Seshoumaru, just that the information seemed too good to be true.

Sesshoumaru's expression was unreadable, but Miroku could have sworn he saw a brief flicker of aggravation before the Ancient sighed and leaned back in his leather chair. "My people do not make mistakes, priest."

Miroku nodded, looking down once more. Of course not. The Great Sesshoumaru didn't associate with people who showed inadequacies and failure. He knew that, but it was just too unreal. Too unbelievable. "Then we have quite a treasure here. Does Inuyasha know?"

Sesshoumaru looked away, his golden eyes glancing over to his cellphone as the screen lit up, alerting him to a message. He ignored it, returning his attention to the conversation. "It is unlikely. My brother is famous for being a dimwit. However, it seems he is far luckier than I gave him credit for."

Miroku chuckled, finally setting the file down, his eyes never leaving the mugshot of a smiling Kagome. It must have been her work ID photo. "It would seem so. If these facts are true than Inuyasha may have already won his war. Genetic research is no longer something necessary. Not when we have her power."

"Agreed. Although, I do not think she is aware she has such capabilities. It seems to be subdued and entirely uncontrolled. She is untrained." The Ancient stated, his tone matter of fact.

The priest nodded, reflecting on the way she struggled against the seal on the ballroom door before it had entirely disappeared. She didn't know how to call her power and perhaps hadn't even realized that the room had been sealed in the first place.

"Yes, I noticed that too. If that's the case then it has been dormant for years." He tapped his finger against his chin thoughtfully. "But why surface now?"

"The bond." Sesshoumaru offered easily. "It was the catalyst."

Realization lightened the priest eyes and he nodded enthusiastically before slamming his fist into his open palm. "Of course! Magic begets magic. The first time she was probably ever introduced to magic was the bond. Her powers must be feeding off of the bond."

"The closer she gets to Inuyasha, her powers should increase, but it may drain him of his own magic. The bond forged their life forces together. Untrained she could easily drain his life force by accident." Sesshoumaru murmured, his eyes hard. "We must act quickly before that happens. To take from your mate in such a way is treason."

Miroku's brows rose into his hair before disappearing. "I didn't think of that. Wouldn't he know though?The life force replenishes magic. "

Sesshoumaru stared unblinkingly at him. "Not necessarily. Without him knowing who she is, he may never make the direct correlation."

Standing Miroku headed for the door, ready to speak to his alpha, but stopped when his cellphone began to ring. He frowned when he saw it was Sango. She never called him. Never. Something was wrong.

"Sango? What's wrong?" He asked, worry leaking into his voice.

"Kagome is really sick and Inuyasha won't let anyone near her! Not even Rin! Tell Sesshoumaru to get his ass here now before he loses it!"

Miroku barely saw the Ancient as he blurred past him out the door, a streak of silver. He followed suit, grabbing the file off the desk and heading for the office doors. " Sango, calm down. He's on his way. I'll be there shortly. Don't go near Inuyasha. I don't want you getting hurt. He considers his mate injured and will attack."

"I know that, idiot!" She growled and he could picture her eyes flashing with anger. "Sesshoumaru better get his ass here quickly. Loyal to the clan or not, I will take Inuyasha out if he doesn't let Rin help Kagome."

He shook his head with a small smile on his lips as he raced down the staircase, jumping over some to make the decent faster. "What's wrong with her?"

She was quiet for a minute and Miroku thought the call had dropped until he heard her soft, confused voice on the other end. He had never heard her sound so...lost. "She's unconscious. I don't understand. She was fine this morning when we ate breakfast and I made fun of her for pouting that Inuyasha had to work all day." Her voice broke then, a strangled sob catching in her throat. "Why? Why is this happening to her?"

He stopped then, halfway through the parking garage to his car, and focused all his attention on the woman who was desperately trying to be strong. She may not ever admit it, but she had called him for a reason. Not just because she knew he was with Sesshoumaru—she could have called the Ancient herself—no, she needed him to be her strength.

"It's going to be okay, Sango. I promise." He answered firmly, his voice hard and smooth like iron. Sturdy, reliable, and unwavering. "Kagome will be alright."

Another pause of silence and then her heard her voice again. This time more certain and sure.

"Just hurry, idiot."

He smiled as the line went dead.

"I'm going inside, Ayame." Declared the Russian princess, her hand reaching for the car door. "Rin said a few minutes. It's been more than thirty."

She had played the polite, composed, diplomatic consort long enough. Her mate was missing. Missing! To make matters worse their bond was blocked. She couldn't reach him mentally to feel what he was feeling. To know if he was okay. To know if he was still alive! Her heart wrenched painful at the thought, her eyes prickling with the burn of unshed tears. It was like a piece of herself had been torn from her and she felt lost and forlorn.

But the Winter Moon clan was the most powerful of them all. Surely they would be able to help her locate him. Besides, she had a sickening feeling that those disgusting blood sucking leeches were behind it. If anyone knew how to exterminate vampire it was the Winter Moon clan.

"Shena, relax. You know the rules. We can't go barging in unannounced." Replied the red head next to her, her green eyes ever watchful of their surroundings. Sitting back, Shena noticed the body guard seemed to be searching for something. Ayame had been with her for a little over a year now. Her own had been wiped out years ago and she had been wandering alone. What exactly had taken them out, she had never asked and Ayame had never offered to explain. It didn't matter to Shena. Ayame was family now and she made an excellent body guard.

Turning her attention back to the mansion, the princess frowned. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something seemed off. Why hadn't Rin returned? As if reading her thoughts, Ayame spoke up once more. "It is unusual though. Lady Rin doesn't seem the type to keep guests waiting."

Shena nodded, her chestnut colored hair following the movement. She had only met the woman a few times, but she was very hospitable. "I agree. It doesn't feel right."

Ayame sighed, opening the car door. "I'll go take a look. You stay here."

Shena bit back her retort, her eyes falling to her lap. Normally, she would protest, but with the recent events concerning her mate there was no telling what could be happening inside the mansion. The safest thing would be for her to remain in the car for now, right?

Ayame glanced at her briefly outside the car door a challenging glint in her jade colored eyes. She was pleased, however, when Shena looked away and quickly made for the door, disappearing inside the estate.

It had been a few minutes of unsettling silence when Shena decided to make a decision.

Screw safety. She couldn't just let Ayame go in there alone! What is something was in there? What if it was the vampires? What if they had attacked here as well?

Throwing off her seat belt she opened the car door and followed her body guard inside. She paused in the foyer, blue-gray eyes searching for her red headed friend. When she found no sign of her, she moved forward timidly, feeling small under the grand chandelier. She shook her head lifting it while straightening her back. What she doing acting all meek? She was a Romanov for goodness sake! She had Ancient magic in her blood!

With new found confidence she headed for the hall, but stopped at the staircase when she heard yelling upstairs. She went cold. Was there an intruder? Perhaps a vampire, or better a junkie? Her eyes flashed steel gray before she changed direction and began ascending the stairs. Well, she had some questions for them. The tingle of raw energy sparked between her fingers as she forced her energy into the walls of the mansion, covering every square inch.

She frowned and paused again, not anticipating what she had found. It was subtle, but there was something powerful here. It was magic older than she had ever encountered and quite frankly, it scared her. What was worse—it was growing at an uncontrollable speed.

She needed to hurry.

Kouga closed his eyes as he leaned his head back against the bedroom door. After bringing Kagome upstairs, he and Lettie had been quickly ushered out of the room by the slayer. That had been for the best. Though he wanted to protest, He wasn't medically trained and had no idea how to help Kagome. Besides, he wasn't her chosen, or her mate.

He had smelled the change in her scent the minute he had stepped into the drawing room. She had looked the same, her dark hair graceful framing her porcelain face as she starred into an open text book. However, her scent had been altered. Changed. She had made her decision.

And it wouldn't be in his favor, he was certain.

He sighed, opening his eyes, starring at the ceiling. For some reason, his wolf hadn't gone into mourning, or even growled in challenge at Inuyasha. They had still managed to work with the elephant in the room. He was confused. Why hadn't his wolf fought for her? He knew it liked her, but had he misinterpreted?

He groaned, pushing off the wall to pace aimlessly in front of the door, his mind frantically trying to piece together an answer. He liked Kagome. He was fond of her, but love? His wolf immediately rejected the thought and Kouga rolled his eyes in frustration. What the hell? Now his wolf didn't want her?

Not ours.

He frowned, hearing his wolf's resolve. Was it the smell? Since she smelled like another male did his wolf reject her? No. That wasn't right. If she was meant to be his, than his wolf still would have pursued her.

"Excuse me," Came a firm female voice, "I'm looking for Lady Rin. Is she near by?"

Kouga froze at the foreign voice. A stranger had entered the premises and he hadn't known. What the hell? Had he really been so consumed by his thoughts that he hadn't noticed?! He spun around, his icy gaze hardening. He'd take care of them quickly before-

Thick, heavy, hair the color of deep scarlet fell like waves over small shoulders. Black lace lashes framed the most beautiful jade jewel eyes he had ever seen and he forgot to breathe as he gazed into them. Soft pink lips, held no smile, but left him with the urge to place one there. She stepped closer and her scent, like vine ripe strawberries that had soaked in the summer sun, wrapped around him almost teasingly. His wolf growled in approval and he could feel the tug in his chest.

He shook his head, trying to clear it. Something was happening. She was doing something to him.

"Rin's busy." He answered, forcing his voice to work. He immediately regretted the coldness that had crept into his tone as he saw her face darken.

Her eyes narrowed, her mouth twisting in aggravation. "I didn't ask if she was busy, dammit. Is this how the Winter Moon Clan welcomes guests? Has all that power gone to your heads?"

He could see the anger rolling off her despite the even, unwavering of her voice. Still, as much as he admired her control, she was insulting his clan. "Listen bitch, I don't know who the hell you are-"

The air thickened, crackled, and sparked with energy and Kouga swallowed seeing the small red head beauty begin to shake. Maybe he shouldn't have said that. Clearly, this woman was stronger than she looked. His eyes darted past her to see their Russian ally behind her. Immediately he realized his mistake and dragged his open palm down his face in exasperation.

Damn.

"Kouga, I think you owe my body guard an apology." Shena said her tone matter of fact. "Now, please. Then you're going to explain what's going on."

His eyes shifted back to the red haired beauty and he scowled seeing her smug smirk. There was no way he felt something for her.

"Inuyasha, you need to calm down."

He knew it was Rin talking to him. He could see his see the concern etched over her sweet face, her dark eyes worried as she eyed him warily. Sango stood defensively beside her, her eyes fixed on Kagome. He knew he should listen to them and try to think things through rationally. That was the most logical thing to do. He knew that the people in the room were important to him and Kagome. He knew that they were trying to help his mate.

But his wolf refused to see reason.

A deep, rolling growl tore from his throat as he clutched the small,shivering body of his mate close to his chest. She was burning up,wisps of ebony hair clinging to her pale damp face. Her white lips parted to mutter incoherently and his wolf whimpered in concern.

How had he missed this? She had been perfectly fine when he had left her in their chambers that morning. Her breathing had been deep and even. Her skin had been the same flawless white as always, but still held that soft healthy glow. She hadn't smelled sick. Even now, he couldn't detect any hint of sickness in her smell.

His arms tightened protectively as his brother's mate tried to approach once more. She held her hands up defensively and kept her voice soft. "Inuyasha, I need to examine her. I can't help her if you won't let me see her."

Again, he knew that. Again, his wolf refused.

Some how this was his fault. He hadn't been careful with her once again and she was paying for his carelessness. His eyes fell to her face once more and the guilt hit him hard as he fought the mournful howl that was climbing his throat. She looked so weak, helpless, and lifeless. What had happened to her?

A soft knock at the door alerted the alpha to a new intruder. He shot off a warning growl, his eyes flashing dangerously, and Rin stiffened when she saw the familiar face of her Russian ally. Inuyasha stayed on the defense as Shena stepped inside, giving a small nod to the alpha prince. She looked just as he remembered, light eyes framed with tawny colored hair. Her eyes danced to his and then to his mate who lay still in his arms.

"Shena, I'm sorry, but I don't think now is a good time." Rin whispered softly, tossing a concerned glance at her brother-in-law. He ignored her, glaring intently at the newcomer while Sango shifted restlessly, ready to jump in at any moment.

Shena nodded, giving the physician a knowing smile. "Kouga has briefed me. I thought we might assess her together? Surely, with your medical knowledge and my magic we can come to some conclusion as to why Lady Kagome is ill."

Rin worried her lower lip. "I think that would be most efficient, but unfortunately I don't think Inuyasha will be so keen."

Shena lifted her chin before turning her gray gaze toward him and he snarled in response. "Yes, I can see."

Rin nodded. "I can't even get close enough to use my magic."

The door opened for a second time and this time and Rin sighed with relief seeing her mate enter the room. Inuyasha's eyes flashed red when the male Ancient pass the threshold, his wolf chomping at the bit. His lips curled back over sharp, razor fangs—a dare and challenge to his brother.

How dare he enter here! His wolf snarled.

Sesshoumaru regarded his brother with a frigid indifferent glare as he took his position in front of the two females. Without so much as a warning, the elder wolf charged, slamming his elbow down on the back of Inuyasha's neck. Inuyasha felt pain explode in the back of his head and and white clouded his vision as Sesshoumaru effectively rendering him unconscious. In the same fluid motion, the Ancient caught Kagome and gently paced her the large bed beside him. He gave his mate a silent nod and stepped back, allowing the two women to approach the bed while he grabbed his brother's arm and dragged him from the room.

"Fuck!"

Kazuma glared at the crimson stain on the wall from where he had just thrown his wine glass. It had shattered and crumbled into a million shining pieces before leaving a streaking mess against the white wall. His impatience was getting the better of him.

Why hadn't she contacted him? It had been more than twenty four hours. He should have heard something from her by now. Never had Kagome ignored him. She was far too weak and caring for that. Sure, he had said they were over, but he had seen the way her eyes pleaded with him to stay. The was her soft brown eyes had clouded over with pain and disappointment. She had loved him.

So why wasn't she fucking answering him?!

"My, my, Kikyo did say you were prone to tantrums."

Kazuma mentally groaned, recognizing the female voice. It was Naraku's pet, Kagura. While the female vampire was beautiful, she was far more bloodthirsty than any newborn junky he had encountered. She was the only one who handled Naraku's dirty jobs and she enjoyed every bit of the gore and blood that they involved. It wasn't that Kazuma didn't like her, he just thought of her as competition.

"Can I help you, Kagura?" He asked, glancing over his shoulder. He tried to ignore the amused glint in her ruby gaze, but found it incredibly annoying.

"I don't think so. I have no need for men who can't perform." Her taunting words were laced with mockery. "Although, I have brought you something to play with. Maybe you can make some improvements with this sample. Seeing as you seem to be running low on test subjects."

Lifting a brow, he regarded her with a cool gaze. "Oh? What did you bring?"

Kagura allowed a light smirk to paint her red lips. "An alpha."

Kazuma turned to face her fully, his interest piked. "How did you manage that?"

She waved a hand dismissively through the air as she walked over and sat on the edge of his desk. "Trivial details, Kazuma. Consider this a peace offering. I'd like us to help one another."

Crossing his arms over his chest he fixed her with a curious stare. "Is that right? And what makes you think I will help you with anything?"

She leaned forward, her forearms resting on her thighs, exposing the creamy smoothness of her cleavage. "Because I know where your precious doctor is and why she isn't responding to you."

The glare returned, his eyes darkening. "And what do you want?"

She was suddenly serious, her eyes hardening and the smile leaving her face as she voiced her demands.

"My freedom."

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